Mr.
Kadakampally Surendran, Minister of
Tourism, Government of Kerala inaugurated ‘Responsible
Tourism Mission’ project aimed at the development of local communities and
growth of tourism to state. With the announcement of various Onam packages under Responsible Tourism mission to be available
till 30 September, 2017 Tourism
Minister unveiled the promotional video and concept card of the festive theme “Nattinpurangalil Onam Unnaam,
Onasammanangal Vangam (Let's have Onam feast in villages and get Onam
gifts) “Nattinpurangalil Onam Unnaam, Onasammanangal
Vangam” project comprises of various Onam packages for tourists and
integrates small enterprises run by the local communities and responsible
tourism units. Tourists can enjoy the raw travelling experience while
participating in household Onam celebrations. It will help interested local
families to welcome tourists to their homes and treat them with Onasadya- the
festival feast.

Mr.
Kadakampally Surendran, Minister of
Tourism, Government of Kerala said, “The government has allotted Rs. 4.5 crores
for the new venture and all the projects executed by Responsible Tourism
mission are aimed at development of the local community. A human resource
directory has been prepared to provide jobs to people across the state. As
Kerala Tourism aims at offering raw traveling experience, we are hopeful that
this initiative will further help us in attracting more domestic &
international tourists to the state. Additionally we have announced some
special tour packages for this season during Onam and so far, we have received
overwhelming response in the initial phase itself. We will extend this project
to all 14 districts further.”

With the aim to introduce the traditions and
festivities of Onam to travelers, the tourism department is providing an
opportunity for the tourists to participate in Onam celebrations while enjoying
Onasadya and watching Onakalikal. The natives as well as foreign tourists both
will be benefited from the project.

“Started in 7
destinations, the project will be extended across the state in the coming
season. Hitherto, as many as 126
households, 63 home stays and 34 restaurants have come forth for the
package. Around 650 families across
the 7 destinations have registered
to explore the feast Onasadya.
Furthermore, we hosted around 170 international
tourists and 146 domestic tourists
under Onam packages of responsible tourism. Kerala Tourism will shift its
entire business to responsible tourism model in the way ahead,” said P Balakiran, IAS, Director, Department
of Tourism, Government of Kerala.

The project model is classified into two stages to
promote small enterprises such as local restaurants, tea shops and hotels and
to encourage travelers to buy locally made products such as organic vegetables,
Khadi textiles, handicrafts and traditional dishes. It focuses on destinations
such as Wayanad, Kovalam, Kumarakam,
Vaikom and Bakel. The first part of the project “Onam special Gramayatrakal” (Onam special village tours) intends
to introduce the rural belt of Kerala to the tourists during Onam seasons. The
second part of the project intends to reach the authentic Onam celebrations
from the villages to the tourists. Along with Thiruvathirakali, Onasadya and others, tourists will be introduced
to the respective local activities of each place, like Shikkara Boat Rides,
village boat trips, coir manufacturing, fishing, toddy tapping, pottery,
weaving and such traditional sectors and styles of Kerala.